Bible Study Notes in Song of Solomon- Chapter 1

Song of Solomon 1

 

-This book is in the genre of wisdom. It is a wedding song honoring marriage through the purity and sacredness of love. It should be interpreted on two levels. First, there is a literal love relationship between a man (King Solomon) and the Shulammite bride (perhaps from Shunem, a farming [vineyards primarily] community about 60 miles north of Jerusalem). Very open, sensual, and poetic language is used in their dialogue to reflect their intense love and devotion for one another. Solomon more than likely wrote this piece early in his reign as king or young in life when the purity and sanctity of marriage was his priority before worldly prosperity, foreign women, and idolatry tainted him (he turned from much of his righteousness in later years, 1 Kings 11). The second, and deeper, spiritual dimension of this work inspired by the Holy Spirit reflects the love of God for His people. This can include both His people Israel at the time and the Church (including all the nations, Gentiles as well as believing Jews) of the New Covenant initiated by the work of Christ Jesus. This intense language shows Christ’s rich and immensely deep love for us, His people, as well as how we should love Him. *Application* Consider the sanctity of marriage between one man and one woman for one lifetime. The intimacy that this relationship, designed by God, should entail is so divine in so many ways (spiritually, emotionally, physically, etc.). Reflect for a while on God’s intimacy with us, His children, in the same exact way. He desires our all, which includes the most cherished feelings and desires for Him. We love Him with our all because He first loved us (1 John 4:19).

-Chapter one begins with the young Shulammite speaking on their wedding day (Song of Solomon 1:2-7). The kiss is emphasized, along with the intoxicating effects of love, which is stronger and better than wine. The oil is represented (biblical symbol of the Holy Spirit) as a pleasing fragrance with a purified name. In verse four we see the drawing of the lover into a relationship that they will pursue together as the king has brought his beloved into his very own chambers. This is a cause of great rejoicing and gladness with exaltation to the lover and the love he freely gives. Verses five through seven reflect the background and upbringing of this common laborer more than likely, who was accustomed to being outside in the elements. Solomon appreciated her skin tone and the fact that she was working on someone else’s vineyard (possibly the king’s own vineyard). *Application* Draw near to the Heavenly One who loves you as your spiritual depth increases. He has loved you with an everlasting love from the foundation of the world. Love your husband or wife in the same way and appreciate all their great qualities with affection.

-Solomon now speaks (Song of Solomon 1:8-10). Much of the language is lost on our current culture, but we should get the sense for how much he loved her beauty and radiance even as a common laborer. The king picked her out as a special prize with great worth and appeal. The chorus chimes with praise in verse eleven, before the bride picks back up with her adoration (Song of Solomon 1:12-14). The beloved is esteemed as an oasis in the desert (research Engedi, location and agriculture) as a stark contrastive statement. Now Solomon comes back with words describing beauty of eyes in comparison with the nature of doves (Song of Solomon 1:15). The remaining two verses of the chapter find the bride speaking of her husband’s looks, strength, and benefits (Song of Solomon 1:16-17). *Application* We are mistaken if we do not process and meditate on the spiritual benefits of this passage. God is our beauty, our strength, our all sufficient source, and Heavenly Head as husband. When is the last time you personally lavished praise unto the LORD your God in this caliber?

 

Verse to Memorize: Song of Solomon 1:4

Bible Study Notes on Being a Wife Part 3

Ephesians 5:33-  …and the wife must see to it that she respects her husband.

-The sense that this word “respects” (phobeo in the Greek, from which we get the word phobia or fear) has this interpreted meaning: to reverence, venerate, to treat with deference or reverential obedience. Culturally speaking this is an anomaly. As Christian women, we are called to be countercultural, even radical, as we are transformed into the image Christ wants.

Bible Study Notes on Being a Wife Part 2

Ephesians 5:22-  Wives, be subject to your own husbands, as to the Lord.

Colossians 3:18-  Wives, be subject to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.

-The duty as wives according to this verse is to submit themselves to their husbands just like they submit themselves to the Lord. Think about the implications of that for a bit. This is a revolutionary concept if one considers the appropriate attitudes and demeanor that should the focus as women. God has high expectations and so should husbands according to this verse.

Bible Study Notes on Being a Wife Part 1

Proverbs 31:10-31-  An excellent wife, who can find? For her worth is far above jewels. 11 The heart of her husband trusts in her, And he will have no lack of gain. 12 She does him good and not evil All the days of her life. 13 She looks for wool and flax And works with her hands in delight. 14 She is like merchant ships; She brings her food from afar. 15 She rises also while it is still night And gives food to her household And portions to her maidens. 16 She considers a field and buys it; From her earnings she plants a vineyard. 17 She girds herself with strength And makes her arms strong. 18 She senses that her gain is good; Her lamp does not go out at night. 19 She stretches out her hands to the distaff, And her hands grasp the spindle. 20 She extends her hand to the poor, And she stretches out her hands to the needy. 21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household, For all her household are clothed with scarlet. 22 She makes coverings for herself; Her clothing is fine linen and purple. 23 Her husband is known in the gates, When he sits among the elders of the land. 24 She makes linen garments and sells them, And supplies belts to the tradesmen. 25 Strength and dignity are her clothing, And she smiles at the future. 26 She opens her mouth in wisdom, And the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. 27 She looks well to the ways of her household, And does not eat the bread of idleness. 28 Her children rise up and bless her; Her husband also, and he praises her, saying: 29 "Many daughters have done nobly, But you excel them all." 30 Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, But a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised. 31 Give her the product of her hands, And let her works praise her in the gates.

-This instruction on being a biblical wife revolves around three main points listed in verses 11 & 12. Are you as a wife trustworthy, enterprising, and doing your husband good? Analyze these biblical traits are concern yourself with improving in these areas and you will be well on your way to being a true Proverbs 31 woman.

-Word Study- Tov (good, masculine noun, verse 12)

1. a good thing, benefit, welfare

A.    welfare, prosperity, happiness

B.   good things (collective)

C.   good, benefit  

D.   moral good

Bible Study Notes on Being a Mom Part 5

John 16:21 "Whenever a woman is in labor she has pain, because her hour has come; but when she gives birth to the child, she no longer remembers the anguish because of the joy that a child has been born into the world.”

-Jesus is speaking here in this passage of the grief of His death, but the promise of His resurrection as compared to the agony of childbirth, caused by the curse of sin, with the joy of new birth that erases the pain of labor and striving. The spiritual implications between the birth process and new life in Christ are worth meditating on for a while. The joy of the new takes the place of the old struggle. Behold, Jesus is making all things new (Revelation 21:5). Know that while there is sorrow in the night, joy comes in the morning (Psalm 30:5)!

Bible Study Notes on Being a Mom Part 4

Proverbs 31:28  Her children rise up and bless her…

-A mom has to take care of the home in a proper manner for her children to one day, when they are older, rise up and bless her with their compliments and gratitude, among other things. How does this happen? Of course there is some natural love and devotion that is warranted because of the necessity of care and duty. But a woman of God who receives true praise and blessing has made her children a priority to nurture and care for them in a way that produces a higher level of respect and honor. This only comes from a true fear of the Lord and obedience to His commands in the training up of the children. Motherhood is always a challenge, but the mommies who do it well will be rewarded by her children and the Lord! This is a general truth.

Bible Study Notes on Being a Mom Part 3

2 Timothy 1:5  For I am mindful of the sincere faith within you, which first dwelt in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am sure that it is in you as well.

-Notice the Godly heritage that existed in young Timothy’s life. This reflects a pouring into their children, which went generations back. It is a great example for us to live by. Mother’s take diligence to teach and train up your children in the faith. When they are older, they typically will not depart (Proverbs 22:6).

Bible Study Notes on Being a Mom Part 2

1 Thessalonians 2:7-10  But we proved to be gentle among you, as a nursing mother tenderly cares for her own children. 8 Having so fond an affection for you, we were well-pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God but also our own lives, because you had become very dear to us. 9 For you recall, brethren, our labor and hardship, how working night and day so as not to be a burden to any of you, we proclaimed to you the gospel of God. 10 You are witnesses, and so is God, how devoutly and uprightly and blamelessly we behaved toward you believers

-Characteristics we can associate from this passage that are indicative of a good mother:

1. gentle (opposite-harsh or cruel),

2. tender care (nurturing),

3. fond affection (love from the heart, warmth, regard),

4. imparting the gospel and their own life to the dearly loved

5. hardworking, laboring night & day,

6. suffering hardship with the right attitude,

7. carrier of burden (willing to bear the load)

8. devout (sincere, earnest, heartfelt, fervent, serious),

9. upright (just, proper, not playing favorites),

10. blameless in behavior (above reproach, great reputation)

Application: If you are a mom, are these qualities yours and growing in the love of
Christ Jesus? You are an undershepherd in your home and have God-given responsibilities

If you are a son or daughter and have your mom still around, what are some of the admirable qualities from today's study you see in your mom? Have you told much you appreciate those qualities lately?

Bible Study Notes on Being a Mom Part 1

Being a Mom

Part 1

1 Kings 3:16-27  Then two women who were harlots came to the king and stood before him. 17 The one woman said, "Oh, my lord, this woman and I live in the same house; and I gave birth to a child while she was in the house. 18 "It happened on the third day after I gave birth, that this woman also gave birth to a child, and we were together. There was no stranger with us in the house, only the two of us in the house. 19 "This woman's son died in the night, because she lay on it. 20 "So she arose in the middle of the night and took my son from beside me while your maidservant slept, and laid him in her bosom, and laid her dead son in my bosom. 21 "When I rose in the morning to nurse my son, behold, he was dead; but when I looked at him carefully in the morning, behold, he was not my son, whom I had borne." 22 Then the other woman said, "No! For the living one is my son, and the dead one is your son." But the first woman said, "No! For the dead one is your son, and the living one is my son." Thus they spoke before the king. 23 Then the king said, "The one says, 'This is my son who is living, and your son is the dead one'; and the other says, 'No! For your son is the dead one, and my son is the living one.'" 24 The king said, "Get me a sword." So they brought a sword before the king. 25 The king said, "Divide the living child in two, and give half to the one and half to the other." 26 Then the woman whose child was the living one spoke to the king, for she was deeply stirred over her son and said, "Oh, my lord, give her the living child, and by no means kill him." But the other said, "He shall be neither mine nor yours; divide him!" 27 Then the king said, "Give the first woman the living child, and by no means kill him. She is his mother."

-Notice the heart of the real mother for her child. This is God-given, tender-loving compassionate care that we associate with a Christian woman. The protective nature is evident and manifests itself even to her own hurt. The instinct of a Christian mom should be to nurture and defend her children no matter what the cost. This is the giving-selfless love of the mother, and it originates from Christ Jesus.

Bible Study Notes on Being a Husband Part 6

1 Timothy 5:8  But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

 

-It becomes very clear to us here in this passage that it indeed the man’s responsibility to provide provision in the home for his family. There is intense and strong language for those who shirk their duty and let their family suffer. It is a faithful thing to work hard and provide sustenance to the best of your ability for your family. Have the foresight to see ahead and set aside some savings and invest wisely with Kingdom purposes in mind. Don’t ever, as a Christian, be considered worse than an unbeliever. Don’t deny the faith.

-Pronoew (Provide)-

1.      to perceive before, foresee

2. to provide, think of beforehand
1. to provide for one
2. to take thought for, care for a thing

Bible Study Notes on Being a Husband Part 5

1 Corinthians 7:1-5  Now concerning the things about which you wrote, it is good for a man not to touch a woman. 2 But because of immoralities, each man is to have his own wife, and each woman is to have her own husband. 3 The husband must fulfill his duty to his wife, and likewise also the wife to her husband. 4 The wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does; and likewise also the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does. 5 Stop depriving one another, except by agreement for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer, and come together again so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.

 

-We see here the principle of morality in the marriage relationship that God has ordained. We see as well as the principle of mutual submission here, which Paul teaches on in other passages as well (Ephesians 5:21, Colossians 3:18-19). The depriving aspects that listed here have to do with physical and emotional withholdings that sometimes rip apart and tear down relationships that are sanctified by God for holy union. Paul says that this should never be in the marriage relationship as we look out for the other’s interest and keep them satisfied in fulfilling their desires out of a heart of pure agape love. This is our mutual duty and preserves the bonds we have covenanted at the altar of marriage. Both God and Satan know our passions and lack of self-control, so make sure that intimacy between your partner remains constant and faithful with vibrancy even after such things as fasting and times of intense prayer. We should notice too that these times of spiritual seeking where priority is given to abstain from physical and emotional bonds are by agreement in the marriage relationship. The union is paramount in all things and should be upheld. This guards against temptation by the enemy.

Bible Study Notes on Being a Husband Part 4

Colossians 3:19 Husbands, love your wives and do not be embittered against them.

 

-The Christian family involves mutual submission as we see in this passage by the grace of God. Subordinating our own personal desires for the good of the loved one enables us to forgive and have complete self-control, which are fruits of the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:32, Galatians 5:23).

-What does not being embittered (disillusioned, bitter, resentful, sour, disaffected, cynical, estranged, poisoned) look like in our life? Are there areas we need to work so that we protect against this spirit that fractures and splits our love for each other?

Bible Study Notes on Being a Husband Part 3

1 Peter 3:7-9  You husbands in the same way, live with your wives in an understanding way, as with someone weaker, since she is a woman; and show her honor as a fellow heir of the grace of life, so that your prayers will not be hindered. 8 To sum up, all of you be harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted, and humble in spirit; 9 not returning evil for evil or insult for insult, but giving a blessing instead; for you were called for the very purpose that you might inherit a blessing.

 

-How many husbands, do you think, in our society truly try to understand their spouse? Daily routine is what eventually makes up a lifetime of joy or sorrow. We as men are called to headship in the home with our wives as weaker, more dependent by nature, vessels who necessarily look to us to be the man God needs us to be. We are to be their “knights in shining armor” who protect, provide (1 Timothy 5:8), and keep them with a sense of security. This passage talks about showing our wives honor. This denotes showing them favor, giving them a good name or public esteem (in other words improving their reputation), extending privilege, and even providing a superior standing. This all requires sacrifice on our part as men. The Lord expects you to be that kind of husband to your wife. It reflects His love for His church by way of earthly example when we do this (Ephesians 6:25-32). Our prayers will be hindered from power and effectiveness if our relationships in the home do not reflect the love of Christ. Be at peace and have a giving spirit.

-Do you want your home to be harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted, humble in spirit, and not keeping score of wrongs (speaking blessing, not cursing)? Of course we do. We were called to this very purpose as lights in the world that possess the life of Christ through His Holy Spirit in us. This is the secret to real blessing that we can inherit as devoted followers of the excellent ways of the Lord.

Bible Study Notes on Being a Husband Part 2

Genesis 3:17  Then to Adam He said, "Because you have listened to the voice of your wife, and have eaten from the tree about which I commanded you, saying, 'You shall not eat from it'; Cursed is the ground because of you; In toil you will eat of it All the days of your life.

 

-Adam let Eve usurp his authority in the family order, which God had ordained and orchestrated. Notice the Lord’s first words to Adam. Here lies the reason for his judgment. Rather than listening to God and what He commanded, Adam decided that he would listen to the voice of his wife over God. This was a tragic mistake then and it is for us now if we listen to our wives when we know God has told us as men differently. This is certainly not to say that we shouldn’t listen to our wives when they have heard from the Lord and want to give us His wisdom through the discernment He gives to them. Don’t get confused on this issue. This is willful disobedience before the Lord that we know without a shadow of a doubt. Adam had a chance to save his family and the whole human race from the fall, but he choose to disobey and listen to the wrong voice, the voice of being a coward and apathetic in his leadership of the home. When he needed to be courageous and authoritative, he capitulated to the voice of his wife and went along with sin.

Bible Study Notes on Being a Husband Part 1

Ephesians 5:23-33  -  For the husband is the head of the wife, as Christ also is the head of the church, He Himself being the Savior of the body. 24 But as the church is subject to Christ, so also the wives ought to be to their husbands in everything. 25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her, 26 so that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, 27 that He might present to Himself the church in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she would be holy and blameless. 28 So husbands ought also to love their own wives as their own bodies. He who loves his own wife loves himself; 29 for no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ also does the church, 30 because we are members of His body. 31 FOR THIS REASON A MAN SHALL LEAVE HIS FATHER AND MOTHER AND SHALL BE JOINED TO HIS WIFE, AND THE TWO SHALL BECOME ONE FLESH. 32 This mystery is great; but I am speaking with reference to Christ and the church. 33 Nevertheless, each individual among you also is to love his own wife even as himself, and the wife must see to it that she respects her husband.

 

-First, note husbands are to be the head and savior of the household just like Christ was the Head and Savior of the church body. Love is the essential ingredient here. Love will lead to giving up our rights in selfless sacrifice for the sanctification (to set apart for a sacred purpose, to set free from sin, consecration, purifying, blessing) of our home. Notice the nourishing and cherishing aspects of the man’s role in the family structure. God has wired man to take on this responsibility and role as members of His church body in the home. The other admonition here is to leave and cleave (Ephesians 5:31). Too many households are interrupted by former father’s and mother’s unduly imposing their influence and power over a new situation. The one new flesh takes a new dynamic that is autonomous in subjection to the Lord and no longer under the authority of previous parents. This doesn’t mean that we don’t receive help and advice from our parents any longer, but they do need to understand that their interference with a newly formed family can undermine and interrupt the institution that God has ordained in disruptive and profound ways.

Bible Study Notes on Being a Father Part 5

Colossians 3:21 Fathers, do not exasperate your children, so that they will not lose heart.

-What does not exasperating (infuriate, madden, frustrate, annoy, irritate, incense, enrage, rile) our children look like as Fathers under the authority that God has given us as men, head, savior, and disciplers of the household? Do we see many exasperated children who have lost heart in our society these days? What can we do to reverse this trend as followers of Christ Jesus?

Bible Study Notes on Being a Father Part 4

Psalms 127:3-5  Behold, children are a gift of the LORD, The fruit of the womb is a reward. 4 Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, So are the children of one's youth. 5 How blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them; They will not be ashamed When they speak with their enemies in the gate.

 

-Notice here in this passage that children are God’s gift to us. When was the last time you considered your children a blessed gift and reward from God? We do understand this when we are reflective and truly consider how much He has blessed us and rewarded us with them, but unfortunately, during the course of life we often get so busy and frustrated that we forget what a blessing and gift our children truly are. Meditate on the gifts you have in your care as parents today for a while. Thank God for His amazing gift or gifts in our children.

-Consider the illustration in this passage of the arrows that are likened to our children. Children are like arrows in that we are raising them up and making them as aerodynamic and straight as we can so that we can one day propel them out into this world with straight aim and purpose under the guidance of the Lord God Almighty. This has the connotation that one day we will shoot them out, or let them go, with destiny and calling that they receive from God under our guidance. Sharpen your little quiver of arrows every day by example and Godly instruction knowing that you are building a hope and future through the next generation. This is our legacy as a father.

Bible Study Notes on Being a Father Part 3

Job 1:1-5 There was a man in the land of Uz whose name was Job; and that man was blameless, upright, fearing God and turning away from evil. 2 Seven sons and three daughters were born to him. 3 His possessions also were 7,000 sheep, 3,000 camels, 500 yoke of oxen, 500 female donkeys, and very many servants; and that man was the greatest of all the men of the east. 4 His sons used to go and hold a feast in the house of each one on his day, and they would send and invite their three sisters to eat and drink with them. 5 When the days of feasting had completed their cycle, Job would send and consecrate them, rising up early in the morning and offering burnt offerings according to the number of them all; for Job said, "Perhaps my sons have sinned and cursed God in their hearts." Thus Job did continually.

Job 3:25-26  "For what I fear comes upon me, And what I dread befalls me. 26 "I am not at ease, nor am I quiet, And I am not at rest, but turmoil comes."

 

-It is not a stretch in the context of this Scriptural passage to see that Job had continual fear for his children as a blameless, upright, God-fearing father who turned away from evil. Instead of being afraid for children, a better approach would have been to realize the power of God in their lives through his heritage and devotion to the LORD. Who knows, some of the dread that fell upon him may have been averted.

-How do we sometimes live in fear and worry rather than power and victory in this generation as we raise our family? Resolve to trust the LORD with our children as we prepare them to face this world in which we live (2 Timothy 1:7).

Bible Study Notes on Being a Father Part 2

As we continue our topical study on the family and fatherhood in particular, let's look at and meditate on the premier grace shown in the story of the prodigal son:

 

Luke 15:11-24  And He said, "A man had two sons. 12 "The younger of them said to his father, 'Father, give me the share of the estate that falls to me.' So he divided his wealth between them. 13 "And not many days later, the younger son gathered everything together and went on a journey into a distant country, and there he squandered his estate with loose living. 14 "Now when he had spent everything, a severe famine occurred in that country, and he began to be impoverished. 15 "So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. 16 "And he would have gladly filled his stomach with the pods that the swine were eating, and no one was giving anything to him. 17 "But when he came to his senses, he said, 'How many of my father's hired men have more than enough bread, but I am dying here with hunger! 18 'I will get up and go to my father, and will say to him, "Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in your sight; 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me as one of your hired men."' 20 "So he got up and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion for him, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. 21 "And the son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.' 22 "But the father said to his slaves, 'Quickly bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet; 23 and bring the fattened calf, kill it, and let us eat and celebrate; 24 for this son of mine was dead and has come to life again; he was lost and has been found.' And they began to celebrate.

 

-Notice the Father’s seeking and looking for his son, patiently waiting and desiring to shed his grace and compassion on him upon the humble and broken return home. We see forgiveness at its best here in this parable. Restoration (repair, renewal, reestablishment, and reinstatement) and reconciliation (reunion) are the focus, not retribution (vengeance, revenge, payback, and reckoning). His heart condition was right toward his son to receive him back, and he actually gave him the choicest of everything (best robe of clothing, the ring of authority, shoes of protection, provision of the finest calf to eat, music and dancing of celebration) to show his love for this repentant-much wiser son who was dead and came back to life again.

Bible Study Notes on Being a Father Part 1

Malachi 4:5-6 "Behold, I am going to send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and terrible day of the LORD. ⁶ "He will restore the hearts of the fathers to their children and the hearts of the children to their fathers, so that I will not come and smite the land with a curse."

 

Luke 1:13-17 But the angel said to him, "Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your petition has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you will give him the name John. 14 "You will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth. 15 "For he will be great in the sight of the Lord; and he will drink no wine or liquor, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit while yet in his mother's womb. 16 "And he will turn many of the sons of Israel back to the Lord their God. 17 "It is he who will go as a forerunner before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, TO TURN THE HEARTS OF THE FATHERS BACK TO THE CHILDREN, and the disobedient to the attitude of the righteous, so as to make ready a people prepared for the Lord."

 

-What we see here in these important prophetic verses is that when the Spirit of God is upon the hearts of fathers they will turn back to their children in love and devotion to teach them the things of God in righteousness. In other words, they will lead their entire family on the right path to restoration. Leadership here simply means oversight and influence. It is done in such a way that inspires the next generation to continue in the right path for Godly living and blessing. This is why Malachi says what he says about not having to come and smite the land with a curse. So there is a turning back (repentance- changing of the mind and direction) and restoration (healing unity) as the fathers turn to their God and their family. To turn the heart back to the children means that the dad is making his children a priority in his life once again. This best way this is shown is in devoted TIME. The father will make the necessary time and adjustments to turn his heart towards his family in love.